For more information: www.icomst2014.com.uy / info@icomst2014.com.uy

Instituto Nacional de Investigación AgropecuariaU R U G U A Y ASOCIACIÓN URUGUAYA

DE PRODUCCIÓN ANIMAL

tuesday, August 19th

Plenary sessions were widely attendedNational and international keynote speakersdelivered plenary presentations on current topics of the international research agenda and market studies relevant to the meat production chain.

One of the topics was the sustainability of livestock production by means of carbon footprinting and greenhouse gas emission measurement as tools to mitigate the impact on climate change. By assessing the efficiency of production in areas such as pasture it is possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from animal production. However, the role of carbon footprinting as an indicator of the sustainability of

the livestock industry is limited in many ways, given that it is subject to variations. Measurement of local environmental impacts on soil runoff, the use of pesticides, eutrophication of water by nutrients and loss of biodiversity are among the issues to be taken into account. These studies, however, require a multidimensional approach to sustainability as a whole and capacity to generate and influence the drafting and implementation of policies for this field.

It is important to include these issues in development projects and programs by means of short and medium-term measures so that they are placed at the top of the agenda by policymakers and resources managers responsible for adaptation to climate change. This long-term approach, given the high levels of uncertainty vis-à-vis future climate scenarios may be inconvenient at the time of integrating the issue in development initiatives, and for this reason we should generate complementary strategies to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

Another plenary session dealt with the topic of consumer preferences and perception of meat and meat products. The focus was on the importance of being familiar with the factors that may affect the behavior patterns

of consumers as the last link in the production chain, given that this allows the meat sector to better satisfy their demands and requirements. Once more the presentations delivered in the Congress encourage the creation and implementation of integrated, multidisciplinary actions to approach these issues. The study of consumer preferences and perception of meat and meat products involve the analysis

and inclusion of issues relating to sensory properties like aspect, texture, taste and smell; aspects relating to marketing, like price, quality brands or availability, and psychological issues like attitudes, beliefs, expectations, perception of food safety and cultural background. The issue of trust is deemed as an essential part of an intelligent strategy to achieve higher levels of customer loyalty.

WEATHER in Punta del Este.

wednesdeyAug 20 20º

Partly sunnyand pleasant

MAX

12ºLO

THUrSDAYAug 21 22º

Sunny andwarm

MAX

14ºLO

Interviews to attendeesWe decided that during the remaining days of the Congress we will be interviewing attendees random-ly, and ask them all the same questions: What is it that you like the most about 1) Uruguay, 2) its culture and 3) the Congress? - The first three interviews went as follows.

tours:

Useful information

Interview 1 – Takumi Hosono, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nigata University.

1. The meat, it is the best.

2. “Mujeres bonitas” (pretty women).

3. Section 8 of the Congress.

Interview 2 – Alejandra Torres, Universidad de Puerto Rico.

1. Uruguayan people are very friendly and open

2. Montevideo is beautiful.

3. What I like the most about the Congress is to know what is happening in other parts of the world, not only in Puerto Rico and the USA.

Scenes from the poster sessions

Memories of the welcome dinner onMonday the 18th

Breakfast is available on Wednesday at the Conrad Hotel from 6.30 a.m.

Please pick up your tour stickers at the registration desk.

We stress the importance of punctuality so that we leave on time.

Please be at the Congress foyer 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.

Times of departure: Tour 1 – 8.30 a.m.; Tour 2 - 8 a.m.; Tour 3 – 7 a.m.; Tour 4 – 8 a.m.; Tour 5 – 9 a.m.; Tour 6 - 8:30 a.m.

The buses will leave punctually. Should you not be at the foyer at the required time, you will miss your tour!